Acetylene generator



E..H. SMITH 'ACETYLENE GENERATOR;

April 30, 1940.

Filed Oct. 50, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ELMER H-SMITH WWW 9, MM

ATToFrNEys April 30, 1940.

H. SMITH ACETYLENE GENERATOR Filed Oct: so, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 OPERATING MTER LEVEL AON-OPERAT/NG INVENTOH ,ELMEH SMITH By FM, Gm ma ia ATTOHNELY$ Patented Apr. 30, 19 40 UNITED STATES PATENT "OFFICE i f ACETYLENE GENERATOR. I Elmer H. Smith, Minneapolis, Minn assignor to- Smith Welding Equipment Corporation, Minneapolis, Minn a. corporation of Minnesota Application October 30, 1939, Serial No. 302,016

' 12 Claims. 01. 48-38) This invention-relates to newand useful improvements in -acetylene generators and more I particularly to such generatorsof the type -Sing pulverized or granulated carbide,-

In operating generators of this type, it is sometimes difiicult to prevent the water in the generator casing from overheating, particularly, the water which defines the bottom of the gals generating chamber and onto the surface of which the carbide is precipitated. This results because the instant the carbide particles contact with the water, gas is formed, which tends to heat the surface of the water. Unless some means is provided for constantly circulating the water dur-.

ing operation of the generator, the surface of that portion of the water which constitutes the ,bottom of the gas generating chamber may, under severe operating conditions, approach a temperature near the boiling point, while the water in the bottom of the generator may be comparatively cool.

Movable parts in a generator for circulating .the water therein are objectionable because they require more or less attention and are likely to get out of order. It is therefore highly desirable that some means be provided whereby the water in the generator may be constantly circulated during operation ofthe generator,- thereby to maintain it at a relatively low temperature,

An object of the present invention, therefore,

is to provide a water circulating means for a generator which is comparatively simple and comprises no moving parts and which insure constant circulation of the water in the generator, v e v within the shell has been lowered to its operating whenever the generator is generating gas.

ing an air lift'pump embodied in the construction thereof, adapted to be operated by the flow" of gas from the gas generating chamber, whereby water in. the generator will be kept in constant circulation, whereby the temperature thereof may be maintained at a relatively low figure.

A further-object is to provide an acetylene generator comprising a casing having a shell secured to and depending from the upper wall' thereof, with its lower end extending below the level of the water in the casing,iand an air lift pump being provided-between the walls of the casing and said shell and having a connection with the lower portion of theshell, whereby when the level of the water in'the-shell is forced downwardly to its operating level, by thepressure of the gas generated therein, the gas will flow from 7 within the shell into the air lift pump, whereby pump, thereby causing the water in thebottom each time the generator is operated, all of the relatively low.

A further object is to provide a generator of 5 the class described, comprising a casing having a shell secured to and depending fromv the upper wall thereof, with its lower end extending below a the level of the water in the casing, whereby the water provides a seal for the lower end of the 10 shell, and an upright pipe being positioned between the walls of the shell and easing, with its 1 lower end disposed adjacent to thebottom of the casing and its upper end adjacent to the maximum or operating level of the water in the casl5 ing, and-sai'd pipe having an inclined spud establishing communication between: the intermediate portion thereof andtlie' lower-portion of the shell,

through which; gas may flow from the interior of the shell int -said'conduit', when. the pressure 20 of the gas-within the shellfhas. forced the water level thereindownwardly to its-operating level,

or to a level wherethegspudis openedto permit gas to enter the conduit, the gas thus entering the conduit flowing upwardly through the upper 5v portion thereofandcreating a rapid circulation of water through the pipefrom the bottom of the casing, to the operating level of the water therein, e 1

thereby maintaining t water at a relatively o mperature.

A further 0 v :ject ofjfthelinvention resides in the novel arrangement of the air lift pump with-.

in the generator and its connection with the'in-" terior of theshell jwher'eby when the water level level, :fu'rthe'rflow of water 'from,the interior of the shell through the pump is interrupted and only gas will flow from the shell through the. air

of the casing to be circulated upwardly through the pump and throughout the entire casing. I

a Other objects of the invention reside in the an air lift pump comprisinga U-shaped 'pipe 'having one leg extending downwardly and terminating short of the bottom of the casing and serving as an intake. end, and the other leg of said pipe. extending; downwardly and inwardly to a point adjacent the lower end of the inner shell, and serving as a discharge end for the pipe, and the intake leg i of said pipe having a '56 connection with the interior of the shell adjacent the lower end of the shell, whereby when the -water level therein is forced downwardly to its charge into the casing directly below and ad-- jacent to the water level within the shell, thereby maintaining the water in the casing in constant circulation during operation of the generator; and, in the simple and inexpensive construction of the water circulating means.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown as various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a conventional generator showing the invention embodied therein, and the positions of the water levels within the casing when the generator is operating;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 1 with the carbide feeding mechanism removed from the casing and showing the water in the casing at non-operating level;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view showing the construction of the U-shaped pipe of the water circulating means;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing a water circulating means of slightly different construction; and

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view showing the arrangement of the spud which connects the air lift pump to the wall of the inner shell.

In the selected embodiment of the invention here shown, there is illustrated in Figure 1, for purposes of disclosure, an acetylene generator comprising a casing, generally designated by the numeral 2, having a top wall 3 and, bottom wall 4. A suitable opening 5 is provided in the top Wall 3 adapted to receive a carbide feeding mechanism, generally designated by the numeral 6. The carbide feeding mechanism comprises a carbide feeding tube 1 and a splash sleeve or skirt 8, which depends into the upper portion of the casing, as clearly illustrated in Figure 1. Inside the casing 2, there is provided an inner shell 9 having its upper end secured to the upper wall 3 of the casing by such means as welding. The shell 9 depends from the upper wall 3 and has its lower end extending downwardly into the casing to a point below the operlating the water within the casing, whereby it may be maintained at a more orless uniform temperature. The means provided for thus cir chamber.

culating the water is shown comprising what may be termed an air .lift pump, generally designated by the numeral 13. This pump comprises a pipe having a U-bend H at its upper portion, whereby spaced legs I5 and I6 are provided. The leg l5, as shown in Figure 1, extends downwardly into the water in the casin and has its lower end I! terminating in close proximity to the bottom wall 4 of the casing.

The other leg l6 of the air pump extends downwardly from the U-bend l4 and is preferably provided, with a right-angled bend I 8, whereby its end portion- I9 is substantially horizontally disposed immediately below the lower edge of the inner shell 9. The leg l6 of the air pump'serves as a discharge leg, whereby the other leg l5 serves as the intake leg. A gas outlet 2l is provided at the uppermost point of the U-bend ll to permit the gas to escape from the air pump into the upper portion of the casing exteriorly of the shell. The usual service line or pipe, not shown, is connected to the upper portion of the casing.

Water circulation through the air lift pump I3 is caused by the flow of gas from the gas I generating chamber ll, through the upper por tion of the intake leg l5 of the air lift. To thus direct the flow of gas into the upper portion of the leg IS, the intermediate portion of said leg is connected to the lower portion of the shell 9 by a suitable spud 22, which is preferably arranged on an incline, as clearly shown in the drawings but may be positioned at any suitable angle relative to the shell. 'By referring more particularly to Figure 6, it will be noted that the lowermost point 23 of the intake end of the spud 22, is disposed at an elevation slightly above the elevation of the uppermost point 24 of the discharge end of the spud. .B'y so arranging the intake and discharge ends of the spud 22, water cannot enter the le l5 of the air lift pump from the gas generating chamber ll during operation of the generator, after the level of the water within the shell reaches the level indicated at l2.

In the operation of the apparatus, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, when the carbide feeding mechanism is started, carbide is precipitated onto the non-operating level 25 of the water within the gas. generating chamber II, defined by the shell 9, as shown in Figure 2. The instant the finely comminuted carbide contacts the surface of the water within the gas generating chamber H, gas is generated and begins to build up a pressure within the gas generating Such development of gas pressure within the chamber forces the level of the water within the shell 9 or gas generating chamber ll downwardly until it reaches its operating level l2, below the intake end of the spud 22. The

' gas then flows through the spud and into the leg 15 in the form of large bubbles which carry,

the water upwardly through the leg I5 with sufficient velocityto create a suction at the lower end' I1 01' the leg IS. The gas thus rising, together with the water in the leg l5, escapes through the gas outlet 2| of the air lift pump,

and the water thus elevated in the leg l5 flows the general casing mayeventually find its nordischarge into the upper portion 28 of the casing, through the gas outlet 2|. It .willthus be seen v that the water within the casing is kept in con-.

stant circulation so long as the generator is operating. when the supply of carbide to the interior-of the shell 9 is-cut oil, the water within mai or non-operating level shown in Figure 2. In Figure 5 I have shown another construction whereinan'ah lift pump, comprising a'single uprightplpe'or tube 21 having a connection with the lower .porti'onof the shell! by meansof 9.

Figures;

spud 22,;simiiarto the one-shown in 1 and}. 'r'nelow 'r:.jportion;- of the pipe tends do nwardly h. tsg w" casing, in amanne'rnm wine Jjiowe end.

- The water-circulating eans. illustrated in.

F u e 51 pera es. onth a i fll principle. n

similar to the structure disclosed in the previousfigill'es." Gaa entersthe 'p'ipe'zl. Land .therein in the 1 form of large": bubbles ibubbles 'intermir' m r orjless w t e ete nzt a nine n as theyrise in the pipe.f-,they"'create a, water c irculation-therein, as indicated by the arrow], which a manner through the spud i2;

impartsfcirculation to substantially all of the water; in the obstructing water circulation therethrough..

culation of water in the casing-is accomplished without utilizing'any moving parts. The water circulating means is extremely sim la and, as is understo'odfrom the foregoing, is made operable entirely by the. flow'of gas from .the gas generatJ-' ing chamber ll. As soon as the generation ofgas within thelchamber ll is interrupted, the

water circulating means becomesinoperative and remains so until carbide is again delivered into the water within the chamber ll. The water circulating means thus operates automatically and requires no attention on the part of an operator or'attendant, which is a very desirable feature and obviously reduces the cost ofoperation and maintenance. I Iclaim as my invention: 7 1. In an acetylene generator, a casingihaving water therein, a shellsecured to and depending from the upper portion of the casing'and having its lower end open and extending below. the level of the water in the casing, means for fee'd- 1 ing carbide into the water within the shell where by gas is generated in the shell. and an airlift pump within the casing comprising an upright pipe having its ends open, and a spud connecting said pipe to the interior of the shell, whereby when. the' generator is operated and the level of the water in the shell is lowered sufliciently to expose the spud, gas will flow from the she l through said spud and pipe andthereby cause circulation of the water in the casing.

2.'In an acetylene generator, a casing having water therein, a shell secured to and depending from the upper portion of the casing and having its lower end open and extending into the'water in the casing, whereby the water provides a seal for the lower end of the shell, an upright water circulating pipe disposed between the walls of the casing 'andsaid shelland having its ends d 28' termit- 32 may b provided imthelower. ends of the leg l5 and pipe 21 tofpreventjsediment which may I accumulate in the bottom-of 'tl'ie' casing, from From the foregoing, it will be noted. that 'ciropen to permit water circulation through' the pip said pipe having-a connection with the-- lower portionof the shell below the non-operating water level therein for the introduction of the generated gas into the pipe, and means for feeding carbide into the water within the shell whereby gas is generated in the shell and forces the water level therein downwardly to expose said connection, whereby gas will fiow from the shell and upwardly through said pipe and thereby causethe water lnthe casing to circulate through 7 said pipe during-operation of the generator.

. 3.5m an-acetylenegenerator, a casing having water -therje in",fa shell secured to and depending portion-of the casing,'the lower said hell being open and extending be- 'th .le e1 of'fth'e water in the casing, whereby at H proyides-a'iseal for/the lower end of th' ll, .'zm eans-for 'feeding carbideinto the water withinftheshell'fwhereby gas is generated thereim 'and'j .an-iair lift pump comprising an upright pipe,'-'open at bothends, and having means connecting it with the lower portion of the sheil, whereby when the water level in the shell is lowered to apredetermined point by gas ,pressu re-jin the shell, gas will flow through a portion of said pipeand thereby cause circulation otthe water within the casing, during operation of the generator.

i 4. I n an acetylene generator, a casing having water-therein, a shell secured to and depending ,fromthe upper portion of the casing with .its lower open end extending below the. level of the water in the casing, whereby the water provides a seal for the lowerend of the shell, means for feeding carbide into the water within the shell whereby gas is generatedtherein, and an air lift water therein, a shell secured to the upper wall of the casing and depending therefrom and having its lower end'submerged in the water in the casing,-the' diameter of said shell being less than the diameter of the casing, whereby an annular chamber is provided between the walls.

of the casing and shell, means for feeding pulverized carbideinto the water'within the shell, and anopen-ended upright conduit in said annular chamber having means for connecting the intermediate portion thereof with the interior of the shell,'when the water level in the shell is forced downwardly by the pressure of gas therein, whereby gas will escape into said conduit and cause the waterl in the casing to circulate there- .through during operation of the generator.

; 6. In an acetylene generator, a casing having I water therein, a'shellsecured to the upper wall of the casing" and depending therefrom and having its lower end submerged in the water in the casing, thediameter of said shell being less than the diameter of the casing, whereby an annular chamber is'provided around theshell, means for feeding pulverized carbide into the water within the shell, ,and an air lift pump comprising an 'upright pipe, open at both ends; and having its intermediate portion in communication with the-interior of the shell. adjacent 'the lower portion of the shell, whereby when the level of the water within'the shell is forced downwardly by the generation of gas therein, gas will escape into the air lift pipe and thereby cause the water within the generator to circulate therethrough during operation of the generator. I

'7. In an acetylene generator, a casing partially filled with water, a shell secured to and depending from the upper portion of the casing with its lower open end extending below the level of the water in the casing, means for feeding carbide into the water within the shell whereby gas isgenerated therein, a pipe disposed within the generator and open at its ends to permit water circulation therethrough, said pipe j having its intake end disposed nearthe bottom ofthe casing and having its upper end disposed near the maximum water level in the casing, and means for establishing communication between therinflow from the shell and upwardlythrough a portion of 'said pipe and thereby cause the water in the casing to circulate through'the pipe, when' the generator is operating. V

8. In an acetylene generator, a casing-partially filled withwater, a shell secured to and deopen end of the intake leg being disposed adjaoent to the bottom wall of the casing and the .discharge end of the other leg being disposed adjacent to the lower end of the shell, and means connecting the intake leg with the interior of the shell, whereby when the water level inthe the water in the casing, said shell and the water level therein cooperating to form a gas generating chamber, means for feeding carbide into the water in said gas generating chamber, wherebygas is generated therein, an upright conduit within the casing, normally filled with water and having an inlet and an outlet for the water, and an inclined spud adapted to establish communication between said conduit and the lower portion of the gas generating chamber, whenthe water level in said chamber is forced downwardly by gas pressure in the chamber, whereby gas will flow upwardly through said conduit and thereby cause the water in the casing to constantly circulate through said conduit, when the generator is operating.

10. In an acetylene generator, a casing parpending from the upper portion of the casing with its lower end open and extending below the level of the water in the casing, said shell and the water level therein cooperating to form a gas generating chamber, means for feeding carbide into the water in said gas generating chamber, whereby gas is generated therein, an upright conduit within the casing normally filled with water and having an inlet and an'outlet for the water, an inclined spud adapted to establish communication between said-conduit and the lower portion of the gas generating chamben'when the water level in said chamber is forced downwardly to its operating level, by gas pressure in the chamber, whereby gas will flow upwardly through i 11. In an acetylene generator, a casing 'par-' tially filled with water, a shell secured to and depending from the upper portion of the casing with its lower open end extending below the level of the water'in the casing, said shell and' the water level therein cooperating to form 'a' gas generating chamber, means for feeding carbide into the water inthe gas generating chamber, whereby gas is generated therein,'an upright conduit within the casing, normally filled with water and having an inlet and an outlet for the water, an inclined spud adapted to establish communication between said conduit and the lower portion of the gas generating chamber, when the water level in said chamber is forced downwardly to a point where the spud is opened, by gas pressure in the chamber, gas will fiow upwardly through said conduit and thereby cause the water in the casing to constantly circulate through said conduit, when the generator is operating, and the lowermost portion of the receiving end of said spud being disposed on an elevation above the uppermost portion of the discharge end of the spud, whereby when the water in the shell is at operating level, gas only can enter the conduit from the interior of the shell, and whereby water circulation through the conduit is stimulated.

12. In an acetylene generator, a casing having water therein; a shell depending froman upper wall of the casing and having its lower end submerged in thewater in the casing, the casing, shell, said upper wall and the water level in the casing defining a chamber; and an air lift pump comprising an upright pipe having an inlet for the water near the bottom of the casing and an outlet in the defined chamber, said pipe having its intermediate portion in communication with the interior of the shell near the lower portion of the shell whereby when the Water within the shell is forced downwardly by the generation of 'gas .therein, gas will escape into the upright pipe through the communication in the intermediate portion thereof and thereby causethe water within the generator to circulate through said pipe during operation of the generator.

EIMER H. SMITH.- 

